lever (ˈliːvə
)
Definitions
noun
- a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum, used to transfer a force to a load and usually to provide a mechanical advantage
- any of a number of mechanical devices employing this principle
- a means of exerting pressure in order to accomplish something; strategic aid
verb
- to prise or move (an object) with a lever
Alternative Forms
ˈlever-ˌlike adjectiveWord Origin
C13: from Old French leveour, from lever to raise, from Latin levāre, from levis lightTranslations
- British English:
lever
A lever is a handle or bar that you pull or push to operate a piece of machinery.Pull the gear lever.ˈliːvə NOUN Pull the gear lever.
- Spanish:
palanca
nf
- French:
levier
nm
- German:
Hebel
nm Hebel
- Chinese: 杠杆 n
- Arabic: عَتَلَةٌ n
- Portuguese: alavanca nf
- Russian: рычаг nm
- Croatian: poluga nf
- Czech: páka nf
- Danish: stang nutr
- Dutch: hefboom nm
- Finnish: vipu n
- Greek: μοχλός nm
- Italian: leva nf
- Japanese: レバー n
- Korean: 조종간 n
- Norwegian: spak nm
- Polish: dźwignia nf
- Brazilian Portuguese: alavanca nf
- European Spanish:
palanca
nf
- Swedish: spak nutr
- Thai: ชะแลง n
- Turkish: kol n
- Vietnamese: đòn bẩy n
Usage examples
In the space behind the stone was a large, well-oiled iron lever.
, The Mystery of the Purple Pirate (1993)Although the use of depreciation as a policy lever has been ruled out, policy attention remains fixated on price.
Business Today (1998)The fascia is clear, straightforward and sporty, with every switch and lever positioned for intuitive use.
The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2005)Then there's the gear lever , a stubby little thing that just has to be the sexiest gear knob around.
Sun, News of the World (2002)This lever is repeatedly pulled by powerful states to discipline the representatives of weaker nations.
, THE AGE OF CONSENT (2003)